BERWICK promoter John Anderson says the club is looking to build on the success of its first season under new ownership and is targeting a top half of the table finish in 2010.
Bandits finished 12th out of 14 in 2009, which Anderson admits was a disappointment.
"But this year I think we have a team capable of pushing for a top half finish," he said.
"There are four or five stand-out teams in the Premier League this ye
ar. There are then about half a dozen, including us, who could be battling it out from fifth or sixth down to about tenth or eleventh.
"I would like to think that with the side we have assembled, three or four of whom are capable of lifting their averages, that we will be looking to finish above half-way."
Anderson, like a number of other supporters, thinks that Adrian Rymel, Lee Complin, Craig Branney and Nick Simmons are all capable of improving on their starting figures.
"If they can do that and the other three (Michal Makovsky, Paul Clews and Jade Mudgway) all stay there or thereabouts, then there is no reason why we shouldn't," he said.
"The biggest question mark is probably over Jade. He is stepping up into the Premier League for the first time, but I think there is enough about the lad to suggest that he might surprise a few people.
"He is ambitious, and he wants to ride for the team, which at the end of the day can only be a good thing.
"He starts on a five point assessed average. There was some talk on the internet around Christmas that he was being reduced to three, but there was no truth in that.
"He starts on five, and whilst we will be delighted if he gets anywhere near that, we won't be disappointed if he doesn't.
"It's a big step up for him, and he will be on a learning curve, but if he is partnered with Adrian at one and two, I think he couldn't ask for a better partner to show him the best way around Shielfield, because Adrian has shown in the past that he can be a very good team rider."
* BERWICK have announced plans for their season-launch party, and it promises to be one of the biggest ever.
The club has arranged for the event to be held at Berwick Holiday Centre on Saturday, March 8, with the headline act being the renowned Alexander Brothers. Others on the bill include 'Roadhouse,' the top Edinburgh rock band, the Jimmy Wilson Ceilidh and comedian Bobby Colgan.
It is 20 years since the Bandits regularly held events at the Centre, as in recent years it has been closed to 'local' parties. But complex manager Stuart Doolson says he is keen to re-establish links with the local community and the return of Berwick Speedway is an ideal platform.
"It promises to be a great night," said Anderson. "Berwick Holiday Centre is a great venue, and with the likes of the Alexander Brothers being there it will hopefully be a sell-out."
Tickets for the event, priced at £10, are available from the usual outlets - Anderson's butchers in North Berwick; Taffy's Time Machine in Marygate, Berwick, Cornhill Village Shop and Mitchell's newsagents in Chirnside.
* BANDITS' skipper Paul Clews has launched an appeal for new sponsors prior to the start of the new season.
Clews is returning to Shielfield for a second successive year and is keen to build on the success he enjoyed in his debut campaign with the Border club in 2009.
"But to be honest," he said, "I am desperate to try and attract some sponsorship.
"Being based in Daventry it's difficult to try and attract sponsors from the Berwick area, especially when some riders are based up there already.
"I had some sponsors last year and I was grateful for everything they did for me. But at the moment I seem to be struggling and if anyone can help, no matter how big or small, I would be happy to hear from them."
Anyone who may be interested in backing Clews can contact him on 07880 602362.
"To be honest the sooner I hear the better," he said, "because I am getting everything ready for the start of the season in March and I would need to organise printing for my bike covers as soon as possible."
* BERWICK have revealed that they hope to have former multi-world champion Ivan Mauger as a special guest at Shielfield on Saturday, July 31. The New Zealander, who now lives in Australia, was a nine-times winner of the world individual and longtrack titles and he is planning to tour a number of British tracks this season following the launch of his autobiography at the British GP at Cardiff on July 10.
